The Black Cats have still not found their replacement for Simon Grayson, having parted company with the former Preston North End boss less than 20 minutes after their draw with fellow strugglers Bolton at the end of last month.

However, the Sunderland Echo reports that Heckingbottom would be interested in the post - but Sunderland are yet to make an approach for the Barnsley coach, so it remains to be seen how serious his interest actually is.